The Need of a Friend

I agree with the reviewer of three stars.

I couldn't believe the script. Terrible, especially that of the man coming out of prison.

Not the slightest epilogue.

But the ending, just leaves the viewer hanging.

I have decided that, beginning about episode 18 from Season 2, is when the series got good, not before.

Is it just me, or is there some major tension between Mannix and Peggy? They seem less than friendly with each other. I mean, she basically screams at him to make his own coffee. The whole episode, it seems almost like she's on the "bad guys'" side.

There is a good story here, and a very strong supporting cast. The need for viewer patience comes in because the director was evidently going for an "arty" feel to the episode, so you get some camera angles and close ups that will seem a bit--well, different, than you see in most 1960's TV shows. Also, the dialogue sometimes has rather the feeling of a stage play. Still, it is well worth viewing: beautiful, clear cinematography, those fine guest stars, and Mannix showing depth and emotion. A young and ravishing Barbara Babcock, and a strong turn by Cloris Leachman, are standouts in the episode; plus the male guest star is excellent,

I agree with the last reviewer, Joe and Peggy bickering is something to see... Not happy campers. May have been an attempt to develop her character, now revealing she is the widow of a cop and a young mom. Bottom line, a "bad day" for both Mannix and Peggy. One interesting note; Peggy calling him Mr. Mannix? That would be dumped soon, and with good reason.

This time around, Joe has the tough luck task proving a man he helped convict for embezzlement is innocent. Prime example of one of those "complex" episodes you literally take notes on. Sutton Roley directed, who would do many more stories, and gets what he wants from a great cast. John Colicos (usually playing villains) has a sympathetic role for a change. He would appear in about one episode per season. For STAR TREK buffs, best known as the first Klingon, which he also assisted in creating facial features and the costume.

Cloris Leachman plays his ex-wife, and in a very good dramatic role. What many don't know is she appeared in one of the first tv detective shows called CHARLIE WILDE as his secretary, around 1950 in New York. Great trivia question.

Veteran Marie Windsor plays the wife of Mr. Timpkins (Paul Stevens), wearing a blonde wig. Look closely or you will not recognize her. She rivaled Beverly Garland in noir and sci fi films of the 50s and was always popping up on tv.

There's a crazy skid row bar scene in which Joe passes out. Among the patrons is Noble "Kid" Chissel, playing a bum, a 1930s boxing star who would do other bits on the show. We also get a glimpse of Peggy's son, Toby, played by Mark Stewart, a hero to all of us kids back in the day. Some bios indicate Stewart, later called Stew, became a musician as an adult.

Watch closely, or you'll miss something. SEASON 2 EPISODE 9 remastered CBS/Paramount dvd box set. 6 dvds. Released 2006. Cool purple-ish cover with Joe and Peggy.

"The Need of a Friend" begins with David Barker (John Colicos) being released after seven years in prison. Mannix shows up to talk to him and Barker responds by decking him! It seems that Mannix's investigation was key to convicting Barker of theft and murder! However, inexplicably, Mannix has returned because he has some doubts....perhaps this guy was really innocent. After all, apart from this case, he's never seen a job so open and shut!

I liked seeing Colicos playing a different sort of character--not the usual heavy. However, apart from this and a nice performance by a skid row bum (Sam Gilman), this was an awfully weak episode. It just wasn't that interesting and it was pretty obvious what had occurred. Not bad--just not up to the series' usual high standards.